144 MUSHKOOMS. 



earth. The covering consists of three layers, 

 the two outermost split from the top into sev- 

 eral acute divisions, which spread out like the 

 points of a star. The innermost layer is round 

 and attached by the base. There are one or 

 more openings at the top for the escape of the 

 spores. 



PHALLUS IMPUDICUS = disgusting. 

 The Fetid Wood Witch. 



In the first stages the plant is white, soft and 

 heavy, in shape and size like a hen's egg. It is 

 covered by three layers, the outer one firm, the 

 middle one gelatinous, the third and inner one 

 consists of a thin membrane. This phallus 

 develops under the ground until its spores are 

 mature. At length the apex is ruptured by 

 the growth of the spore receptacle, and the 

 stem expands and elongates, escaping through 

 the top, and elevates the cap into the air. The 

 stem at the early stage is composed of cells 

 filled with a gluten. The stem afterward be- 

 comes open and spongy, owing to the drying of 

 the gelatinous matter. The spores are im- 

 mersed in a strong-smelling, olive-green gluten. 

 They are on the outside of the cap and em- 

 bedded in its ridges. A part of the volva 



